Liverpool’s recruitment team have reportedly been left stunned after Chelsea chose to ban them from attending academy matches at their West London home. It is understood that scouts from the Reds have been blocked from in-person visits to Kingsmeadow to watch matches.
According to The Athletic, Liverpool have responded in kind and banned Chelsea scouts from attending their academy home matches. It is thought this extreme decision by Enzo Maresca’s side has come about following youngster Rio Ngumoha’s switch from London to Merseyside.
However, this has not made the decision by Chelsea any more confusing to Liverpool who feel that the process to sign the talented 16-year-old was handled professionally. The transfer was given green light after going through a five-stage review panel to ensure it was managed fairly and amicably with Chelsea receiving the proper compensation for their player.
While Liverpool are thought to be confused by Chelsea’s decision, they are not thought to be worrying too much about it. The Reds’ scouts are still able to attend matches when Chelsea are the away team and video streams of games are still available to be viewed.
This tit for tat between the two clubs comes ahead of their big clash in the Premier League on Sunday at Anfield. The visitors arrive on Merseyside four points behind Liverpool who sit top of the table.
For Maresca, this is his first major challenge with a title contender since the opening day defeat to Manchester City at Stamford Bridge. As for Arne Slot, this is the start of a big week for the Dutchman which begins and ends with games against top four rivals.
Liverpool Under-21s coach Barry Lewtas praised Ngumoha earlier this month, saying: “He’s going to be what you’ve seen here. We’re not looking to change anything. We’re looking to add to his game. He’s a one-vs-one dribbler so hopefully what comes with that is someone who can score goals and assist, create, and certainly get the team up the pitch. I thought he did that for us well.
“I don’t see his identity changing at any point. It is just about the journey and making sure he improves bit by bit, whether that is his crossing or his finishing.
“I don’t think he will be totally different in four years’ time. We just all hope that – as we do with all of them – that we’re not sitting at Kirkby watching them but we’re sitting at Anfield.
“I don’t see him changing much but he is a lovely boy and I genuinely mean that – well brought up. He has settled in really well with the lads, he communicates well with the staff, and he is a lovely kid.”
